Advice for using evc the first time

[Tina1]

Going in December. It’ll be my first time using an evc . Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[barb969]

All evc’s look alike. Make some kind of decorations like a big bow. Many also have the same key so you can’t depend on someone not taking yours by mistake. December is usually a nice month so you won’t need a sun shade. Only park in designated areas (usually with the strollers) or the Cm’s will move it. You can take your scooter thru many of the lines. For rides like Big Thunder ask the cm’s what to do. There are stairs. Be prepared to stop. People walk in front of scooters, kids are the worst. Have great time. I like WDW much more since I started using a scooter.

 

[TCRAIG]

Been using an ECV (my own - a GO Elite Traveller) at WDW for @10 years now - can’t even get to from the HC parking to security without it - here’s my best asvice
1-get a 3 wheeler
2-get the smallest ECV you can comfortably use
3-keep it on ‘tortoise’
4-big box and grocery store scooters are NOT near as easy or nimble as ECVs you rent - so don’t be discouraged if they’re not easy for you
5-bring it in your room and charge every night
And my #1 absolute best advice is to go to the Dollar Store (or similar) and get some battery powered lights, some garland, ornaments, etc and pack some bread or trash bag twist ties and have a blast decorating the ECV basket!

 

[MICKIMINI]

In addition to OP's great advice, I always pick up a few carabiner clips at the $store in the hardware department. I clip my backpack onto the basket so it makes it a bit more difficult for someone to lift.

People will look right at you and then WALK right in front of you...it happens. Kids don't understand but adults certainly do. Be ready for it.

Enjoy!

 

[LuvMyEAR]

The previous posters covered great info and tips and I will do my best not to repeat any!

Rentals from off-site companies are the most convenient. Gold Mobility is great and their ECVs include fans, a cell phone holder, and a USB charging port. I never knew just how much I would appreciate those accessories. If you use the phone holder, remember to take your phone when you park your ECV

3-wheeled ECVs are nimble and fun to drive and most are quite comfortable. They handle winding queues with ease and in most case, you can drive yourself pretty close to the actual attraction vehicles. Just be prepared that cast members move ECVs, wheelchairs and strollers to an area closer to the attraction exit. Knowing where YOU parked it doesn’t help a bit. This is why folks advise personalizing your ride - it really helps you find it.

A few things are important to learn when your ECV is delivered.
1. They will show you how to disassemble and assemble the device, which you will need to know if you will be transporting it by car.
2. How much of it needs protection in case of rain. Most companies will provide an inexpensive shower cap or 2, if they will fit over vital parts. I like to have a large clear plastic garbage bag and a clothespin or two.
Luckily, Dec is not a rainy month, but showers can still happen. Think about the best way to keep your seat dry as well, if the skies look threatening.
3. How to slip it into neutral. Cast members do this all the time to move ECVs from one place to another. It can be a handy thing to know yourself for moving it and out of your room or accommodations. So much easier to push.
4. Charge the battery fully every night!

Please obey the rule of not driving with a child in your lap. You WILL find yourself make sudden stops and it doesn’t take much to unseat that little passenger and possibly cause a nasty bump.

Most of all, enjoy this wonderful device which will give you the freedom to move easily about for long hours.

 

[elvispursley]

I’ll add that you should turn your scooter “off” when yo stop in a queue to save battery life. My mom’s ecv last year had a “plug” type key that had to be removed to turn the ecv off. Very annoying to plug/replug whe. You were waiting in queues.

 

[Belle1962]

Drive it like a car. Stay with the flow of traffic, don’t try to outpace/pass others; you do NOT have the right of way because you have the bigger “vehicle”; be on constant lookout for others to stop suddenly, try to cut in front of you, pass you on either side and then cut you off, stand in front of you for shows, people are not looking down so often don’t see you. Driving an ecv in even light crowds can be an experience. I encourage walking when you can-want to go in a store, park and go in if able.

 

[Tina1]

Drive it like a car. Stay with the flow of traffic, don’t try to outpace/pass others; you do NOT have the right of way because you have the bigger “vehicle”; be on constant lookout for others to stop suddenly, try to cut in front of you, pass you on either side and then cut you off, stand in front of you for shows, people are not looking down so often don’t see you. Driving an ecv in even light crowds can be an experience. I encourage walking when you can-want to go in a store, park and go in if able.

Thank you for the advice. I haven’t driven a car in three years and I’m terrified. My kids are forcing me because they know walking too much Causes me a lot of pain. My youngest daughter has agreed to drive it when I walk. so she is quite excited

 

[Simba's Mom]

Lots of great advice here. I especially agree with the one about marking your ECV so it can be identified. Occasionally I've had a CM offer to bring my ECV to me after a ride. "Thank you-it's the one over there with the [color] bandana tied at the handle. " Also, if (when) you have questions, don't hesitate to ask other ECV users. I remember my first time on an ECV, I was solo, and when I had to use the rest room, I had no idea what to do with my scooter. Finally I just drove up to a couple who both had ECVs, and they had plenty of advice for me (including make sure to keep your key with you whenever you leave your ECV). And yes, you must charge your ECV every night. If you forget, you might make it through the next day, but you'll be so nervous about that "might" that you'll never forget to charge it overnight again. Ask me how I know.